Friday, May 30, 2008

I grew up watching him on the Carol Burnett Show and laughing my butt off to him. Whether he played opposite Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, the weekly guest star or his comedic foil, Tim Conway- he was always stellar. He also voiced The Great Gazoo in The Flintstones cartoon show as well as a ton of other characters. One of his most iconic was probably his role of the dastardly villain in 1974 movie, Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles" as Hedley Lamarr.

My mom always loved his over the top characters that he'd portray and while she never grasped the English language that well, she understood his comedy. Today I'll miss them both.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

After I graduated CCS many moons ago, I had these grandiose visions of somehow changing the world with my art. Could I be the next Picasso, be a part of the new Nouveau, be instrumental as Bauhaus, or maybe be written up in critical art books? I guess I still have some of those dreams but I've since realized that it's through hard work, dedication to my craft and it starts with one person. If I can somehow change one person's perception of the world for the better- I've achieved that change. Knowing Ingrid is happy and thankful is a wonderful place to start.

(Many thanks to Carol Mazurek for the great pics)

*****UPDATE!*****

Ever since I took on this project, there has been more requests to donate art for Ingrid to enjoy. Above is one I just got today from Chelsea Kirchoff. It seems as though I've been appointed art conduit for Ingrid alluva sudden!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

A few weeks back, colleague, friend and esteemed artist Gilda Snowden contacted me about a project she was asked to participate in. A friend of hers, Carol Mazurek had contacted Gilda about gathering artwork to help brighten a little six year old girl’s room as she was about to go through chemotherapy for the 14th time to combat a form of lung cancer.

Seeing as how it’s the final few weeks of school and everyone was scrambling around, Gilda immediately thought of me “and the folks in your department because you are used to moving fast!”

I made the announcement to the Senior Studio to come up with pieces that would help liven this little girl’s day. They were under no obligation; there were to be no grades or bonuses handed out for this. Their only reward was good karma and my sincere appreciation. Steve Kade was also enlisted to submit his whimsical pieces as well and did so with an original watercolor and print. I also made the call out to California and contacted the likes of Jay Shuster, Jeremy Melton and Angie Lai. They too contributed amazing personal and touching pieces to help liven this girl’s space.

Last Friday, Carol came by to pick up the artwork and drove me to visit little Ingrid (she’s got a name now!) at the hospital. I was introduced to her family and Ingrid. I presented the artwork that I had gathered from Gilda, my class (as well as pieces gathered from the Animation Department by Christine Osinski) and the alumni. I mentioned the artists by name and talked a little bit about them as I held the artwork to Ingrid to see from her hospital bed. I’d like to think her family was overwhelmed by the amount of art and caring that our little community could do in such a short time frame.

Huge thanks also go out to Trish Dewald for obtaining a pair of CCS Student Exhibition Opening tickets for Ingrid’s parents to attend in a few weeks. Her parents deserve at least this much.

I visited Ingrid Sunday to see how she was doing and draw for her. It was to be her last night in the hospital and I wanted to make my acquaintance again. Her family had pinned all of our artwork to her wall. I was not only floored by the enormity of art but by Ingrid’s insistence to draw with me. I ended up leaving my marker pad and pen for her to enjoy.

Ingrid has made an impression with Gilda, my wife, myself and anyone that has met her in one way or another. She is a bright beautiful person that has the world ahead of her. Her family is caring, compassionate and is thankful and yet I feel as though I’m the one that should be thankful for being shown my students’ caring and Ingrid’s resiliency.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

After a long hard semester of teaching Senior Studio, the last class has come and gone. We had some amazing pieces coming out of our seniors. They worked amazingly hard and many of them are really ready for the work force. I couldn't be more proud to have been a part of their journey. Next week are Reviews and then the week after, the Spring Show goes up. How quickly this semester has flown by. Utterly amazing.